Amsterdam Restaurants
Blauw aan de Wal Restaurant
Amsterdam is full of restaurants that are like small overlooked gems in the city with all the Amsterdam restaurant choices available, it can be hard to know which to try, and which should remain overlooked. But anyone planning to have at least one nice (that is, rather fancy) meal while in Amsterdam may want to consider a stop at Blauw aan de Wal Restaurant, or the Blue on the Quay Restaurant.
The Restaurant
Blauw aan de Wal is located right in the middle of Amsterdam's notorious Red Light District the elegance of the interior comes as something of a surprise when you enter the building. It has a wonderfully fashionable but inviting minimalist decor which makes an interesting contrast to the original wood floors and exposed brick of the building itself, which has been standing since the 17th century.
The restaurant itself is located in a old monastary courtyard that now acts as a kind of oasis in the Red Light District. The downstairs area of the restaurant has more of a bar feel while the upstairs is more formal; with gentle candlelight and well-laid tables, it's perfect for a romantic dinner for two. There's also a terrific outdoor terrace that's surprisingly romantic and peaceful.
The Food
Of course, the main reason why one visits a restaurant is for the food, and the food at Blauw aan de Wal is excellent. The menu is contemporary with a strong Mediterranean influence, offering unusual but excellent dishes such as pea soup with pancetta and chanterelle mushrooms.
The service here is friendly and knowledgeable, though slow don't come here unless you have plenty of time to linger over (and wait for) your food.
You may expect to pay a lot for a nice dinner at an upscale Amsterdam restaurant, and you'd be right dinner here will run anywhere from 50 to 100 per person. However, nice though it may be, Blauw aan de Wal isn't pretentious or snooty; when asked for his advice the waiter may even suggest one of the cheapest wines on the menu. This is one of the better values in Amsterdam restaurants.
Re: Blauw aan de Wal Restaurant
Blauw aan de Wal Restaurant
After three visits to this excellent restaurant we feel that the above review gives an accurate picture of the food and the ambience of Blauw.
The staff are very helpful, friendly and attentive without being obsequious. They gave us an extremely warm welcome on each of our visits, and despite the fact that these were months apart they remembered us.
The restaurant serves imaginative well presented delicious food and they have a comprehensive wine list.
The service is relaxed and unhurried.
Meals are expensive and worth every penny.
We feel that the experience of eating at Blauw is very special and worth the trip from London!
Posted by Paul&Dee on Sunday, 19th April 2009